Texans offensive tackle learned lesson from suspension

By John McClain :
July 31, 2012
: Updated: August 1, 2012 12:50am

Left tackle Duane Brown (76) has bounced back since getting suspended for four games in 2010 for violating the NFL's policy against performance-enchancing drugs.

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Texans camp

When: Through Aug. 20

Where: Methodist Training Center, Houston

Rundown: Only three more practices are open to public (Today, Friday, Aug. 8). All 8-10 a.m., with gates opening at 7 a.m. Free tickets can be downloaded at houstontexans.com. Call 832-667-2323 for updates.

HOUSTON — Duane Brown's four-game suspension in 2010 for violating the NFL's policy against performance enhancing drugs was the low point of his career.

The Texans were 2-0 when Brown's forced exile began, and it was an experience that taught him a valuable lesson, one that has served him well during his development into one of the league's premier left tackles.

“Watching the guys battle in the trenches and not being there with them was very embarrassing,” Brown said after practice this week. “I was ashamed.”

When Brown's suspension ended, he apologized to his team and accepted full responsibility for his actions.

“Offensive linemen are one of the most tight-knit groups on the team,” Brown said. “It (being away from the team for four weeks) was such a letdown.

“When I came back, I made a promise to the team and to those guys (offensive linemen) especially that I was going to be the best I could be for them.”

Brown has fulfilled the promise to his teammates. And, if you listen to quarterback Matt Schaub, Brown is not just one of the best left tackles on the Texans.

“In my opinion, Duane molded himself into the best left tackle in the game,” Schaub said. “Watching the way he prepares, the way he attacks his job, the way he plays — I never have to worry about Duane because I know he's going to get the job done.

“He's asked on a weekly basis to block the best (pass rusher) on the other team. If you look at who we played last year and who he had to block, there were a lot of those guys that didn't even get near touching the quarterback.

“To have the confidence that the left side's taken care of between him and (guard) Wade Smith, that's a key factor in playing the quarterback position.”

Brown was a different player with a new mindset when he emerged from his suspension. Last season, he was outstanding as a pass protector and run blocker. This year — his fifth since being a first-round pick in 2008 — could be the season in which he finally gets an overdue trip to the Pro Bowl.

“I was very immature in my first couple of years in the league,” Brown said. “I think I took my position for granted. I didn’t really realize what it took to be a professional.

“After I had to sit out and watch my teammates battle, I knew I never wanted to let that happen again. I knew I wanted to take advantage of every day I had. I’ve been focused ever since, putting my head down and getting to the point where I am now.”

Brown, who was married during the offseason, is at a point where he’s going to become one of the highest-paid tackles in the league. This is the last year of his contract, and the Texans want to sign him to an extension.

“It’s not a big concern of mine,” Brown said about his contract. I’ll let the business part handle itself. If it happens before (season begins), it happens then. If not, I’m going to get ready to have what I feel will be the best season of my career.

“I’m just focused. This is probably the most mature I’ve been. I have a wife (Devon) who supports me, and (she) makes me more focused to play great football.

“There’s a lot of expectations put on me by the team — by myself — to be the best player, to help this team go where we want to go.

“We’re a very hungry bunch. We know we’re a talented group. We have a lot of confidence, but we know we have a lot of work to do. It starts here (camp), and we’re trying to take every play, every drill and every period very serious.”